When I folded up my things that night—­when I reflected on the true riches which I had scattered with such a lavish hand, from top to bottom of the house of my wealthy aunt—­I declare I felt as free from all anxiety as if I had been a child again.  I was so light-hearted that I sang a verse of the Evening Hymn.  I was so light-hearted that I fell asleep before I could sing another.  Quite like a child again! quite like a child again!

So I passed that blissful night.  On rising the next morning, how young I felt!  I might add, how young I looked, if I were capable of dwelling on the concerns of my own perishable body.  But I am not capable—­and I add nothing.

Towards luncheon time—­not for the sake of the creature-comforts, but for the certainty of finding dear aunt—­I put on my bonnet to go to Montagu Square.  Just as I was ready, the maid at the lodgings in which I then lived looked in at the door, and said, “Lady Verinder’s servant, to see Miss Clack.”

I occupied the parlour-floor, at that period of my residence in London.  The front parlour was my sitting-room.  Very small, very low in the ceiling, very poorly furnished—­but, oh, so neat!  I looked into the passage to see which of Lady Verinder’s servants had asked for me.  It was the young footman, Samuel—­a civil fresh-coloured person, with a teachable look and a very obliging manner.  I had always felt a spiritual interest in Samuel, and a wish to try him with a few serious words.  On this occasion, I invited him into my sitting-room.

He came in, with a large parcel under his arm.  When he put the parcel down, it appeared to frighten him.  “My lady’s love, Miss; and I was to say that you would find a letter inside.”  Having given that message, the fresh-coloured young footman surprised me by looking as if he would have liked to run away.

I detained him to make a few kind inquiries.  Could I see my aunt, if I called in Montagu Square?  No; she had gone out for a drive.  Miss Rachel had gone with her, and Mr. Ablewhite had taken a seat in the carriage, too.  Knowing how sadly dear Mr. Godfrey’s charitable work was in arrear, I thought it odd that he should be going out driving, like an idle man.  I stopped Samuel at the door, and made a few more kind inquiries.  Miss Rachel was going to a ball that night, and Mr. Ablewhite had arranged to come to coffee, and go with her.  There was a morning concert advertised for to-morrow, and Samuel was ordered to take places for a large party, including a place for Mr. Ablewhite.  “All the tickets may be gone, Miss,” said this innocent youth, “if I don’t run and get them at once!” He ran as he said the words—­and I found myself alone again, with some anxious thoughts to occupy me.